King James Version

What Does Nehemiah 5:14 Mean?

Nehemiah 5:14 in the King James Version says “Moreover from the time that I was appointed to be their governor in the land of Judah, from the twentieth year even unto...” — study this verse from Nehemiah chapter 5 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Moreover from the time that I was appointed to be their governor in the land of Judah, from the twentieth year even unto the two and thirtieth year of Artaxerxes the king, that is, twelve years, I and my brethren have not eaten the bread of the governor.”

Nehemiah 5:14 · KJV

Context

12

Then said they, We will restore them, and will require nothing of them; so will we do as thou sayest. Then I called the priests, and took an oath of them, that they should do according to this promise.

13

Also I shook my lap, and said, So God shake out every man from his house, and from his labour, that performeth not this promise, even thus be he shaken out, and emptied. And all the congregation said, Amen, and praised the LORD. And the people did according to this promise. emptied: Heb. empty, or, void

14

Moreover from the time that I was appointed to be their governor in the land of Judah, from the twentieth year even unto the two and thirtieth year of Artaxerxes the king, that is, twelve years, I and my brethren have not eaten the bread of the governor.

15

But the former governors that had been before me were chargeable unto the people, and had taken of them bread and wine, beside forty shekels of silver; yea, even their servants bare rule over the people: but so did not I, because of the fear of God.

16

Yea, also I continued in the work of this wall, neither bought we any land: and all my servants were gathered thither unto the work.

Read Nehemiah 5 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Moreover from the time that I was appointed to be their governor in the land of Judah, from the twentieth year even unto the two and thirtieth year of Artaxerxes the king, that is, twelve years, I and my brethren have not eaten the bread of the governor.

This verse within Nehemiah 5 addresses themes of justice, integrity, selfless leadership, economic reform. Internal crisis threatens to destroy what external opposition could not—economic exploitation requiring bold reforming leadership. This passage demonstrates biblical principles applicable across both testaments—God's sovereignty combined with human responsibility, faith expressed through obedient action, and the necessity of both individual and corporate commitment to covenant faithfulness. Nehemiah models leadership that combines vision, prayer, courage, integrity, and perseverance amid sustained opposition.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Nehemiah's account occurs during Persian imperial dominance (539-331 BC), specifically 445-433 BC under Artaxerxes I. The 52-day wall completion represents remarkable achievement given opposition and limited resources. Excavations have confirmed portions of Nehemiah's wall and various gates mentioned in the text. The Persian period was crucial transitional time when Jewish identity shifted from monarchical nationalism to Torah-centered covenantal community. Without political independence, the people's cohesion depended on shared scripture, temple worship, and covenant obedience. This established patterns persisting through the Second Temple period into New Testament times. Understanding this context illuminates Jesus's ministry among a people shaped by these reforms and challenges.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Nehemiah 5:14 deepen your understanding of God's character and His work in human history?
  2. What specific action or attitude change does this verse call you to make in your walk with God?
  3. How can the principles demonstrated in this passage inform your response to current challenges in your life or church?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 26 words
גַּ֞ם1 of 26
H1571

properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and

מִיּ֣וֹם׀2 of 26

“Moreover from the time”

H3117

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

אֲשֶׁר3 of 26
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

צִוָּ֣ה4 of 26

“that I was appointed”

H6680

(intensively) to constitute, enjoin

אֹתִ֗י5 of 26
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

לִֽהְי֣וֹת6 of 26
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

הַפֶּ֖חָה7 of 26

“of the governor”

H6346

a prefect (of a city or small district)

בְּאֶ֣רֶץ8 of 26

“in the land”

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

יְהוּדָה֒9 of 26

“of Judah”

H3063

jehudah (or judah), the name of five israelites; also of the tribe descended from the first, and of its territory

שָׁנִ֖ים10 of 26

“year”

H8141

a year (as a revolution of time)

עֶשְׂרִ֗ים11 of 26

“from the twentieth”

H6242

twenty; also (ordinal) twentieth

וְ֠עַד12 of 26
H5704

as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)

שָׁנִ֖ים13 of 26

“year”

H8141

a year (as a revolution of time)

שְׁלֹשִׁ֤ים14 of 26

“and thirtieth”

H7970

thirty; or (ordinal) thirtieth

שְׁתֵּ֣ים15 of 26

“even unto the two”

H8147

two; also (as ordinal) twofold

לְאַרְתַּחְשַׁ֣סְתְּא16 of 26

“of Artaxerxes”

H783

artachshasta (or artaxerxes), a title (rather than name) of several persian kings

הַמֶּ֔לֶךְ17 of 26

“the king”

H4428

a king

שָׁנִ֖ים18 of 26

“year”

H8141

a year (as a revolution of time)

שְׁתֵּ֣ים19 of 26

“even unto the two”

H8147

two; also (as ordinal) twofold

עֶשְׂרֵ֑ה20 of 26
H6240

ten (only in combination), i.e., -teen; also (ordinal) -teenth

אֲנִ֣י21 of 26
H589

i

וְאַחַ֔י22 of 26

“I and my brethren”

H251

a brother (used in the widest sense of literal relationship and metaphorical affinity or resemblance [like h0001])

לֶ֥חֶם23 of 26

“the bread”

H3899

food (for man or beast), especially bread, or grain (for making it)

הַפֶּ֖חָה24 of 26

“of the governor”

H6346

a prefect (of a city or small district)

לֹ֥א25 of 26
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

אָכַֽלְתִּי׃26 of 26

“have not eaten”

H398

to eat (literally or figuratively)

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Nehemiah. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Nehemiah 5:14 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Nehemiah 5:14 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Nehemiah 13:61 Corinthians 9:4-152 Thessalonians 3:8-91 Corinthians 9:18Ezra 4:13-14Romans 13:6-7

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